The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association is starting its final fundraising push ahead of the 2025 county livestock show.

Events such as a summer golf scramble, the First Impressions Pig Sale, and the Shackelford County Showdown jackpot pig show have raised approximately $70,000 to be used for this year’s sale, according to association member Reggy Spencer. The task now, association president Bronco Askew said, is to add to that amount.

More than 200 Nancy Smith Elementary School students participated Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the school’s inaugural Jingle Run with dozens of turkeys handed out to families in the community.

“I’d say we had about 95 percent of the school there,” said NSES PE teacher Makinzie Tomascik, who organized the event with fellow PE teacher Ashlyn  Bevel.” The kids had a lot of fun doing it and the parents showed up and were supportive. A lot of kids and families got to take a turkey home.”

While most high school juniors are still getting used to having a driver’s license, Cache Clark has gone one step further.

Clark, a junior at Albany High School, qualified for his pilot’s license on Thursday, Nov. 21 after more than a year of training. But he’s logged much more time in the air.

“I’ve been flying with my grandfather (Tom Clark) and my dad (Cary Clark) since I was 12 or 13,” he said. “My grandfather is an instructor and my dad has his regular license.”

That was more than enough motivation for Clark to pursue his own license.

Local residents can have a traditional holiday meal on Christmas Day without going to the trouble of preparing and cleaning up.

Or paying for it.

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church is offering its 16th annual Christmas Feast from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25. Meals are free to all comers.

For the second year in a row, meals will be available for carry-out or delivery only.

“Folks can call the church office (at 325-762-2038) and place orders with Sandy Ingalls if they want delivery,” co-organizer James Breeden said.

The Albany Lady Lions made their first appearance in  District 10-2A basketball competition last week, dropping a home game to Hawley in their only action.

The Lady Lions had the district bye Tuesday, Dec. 17, and return to action at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The game was pushed back from Friday, Dec. 20 because of Stamford’s participation in the Class 2A Division I state championship football game.

The Albany Lions boys basketball team put in a busy first week of its season, with five games, going 4-1.

The Lions open their district schedule Saturday, Dec. 21 at Stamford. The game was rescheduled from Friday, Dec. 20 because of Stamford’s participation in the Class 2A Division I state championship football game.

Albany opened its season Tuesday, Dec. 10, with a 43-40 loss at Coleman. The Lions then spent Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 12-14 at the Lingleville tournament, beating Newcastle 74-25, Bluff Dale 60-25, Strawn 74-32, and Richland Springs 54-25.

Volunteer Zack Waggoner was named ‘Firefighter of the Year’ during the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s annual awards presentation and Christmas party.

Fire Chief Joel Viertel explained that to be named ‘Firefighter of the Year,’ a firefighter typically needs to demonstrate a consistent record of dedicated service within their department and community, including acts of heroism, outstanding leadership, dedication to training, significant community involvement, and a positive reputation within the fire service, often going above and beyond expected duties.